By Juma Nsubuga
State Minister of Agriculture in charge of Fisheries, Robert Migadde Ndugwa has warned the public against importing illegal fishing gears.
Migadde issued the warning while addressing residents at Lwanabatya village, Buwanga parish, Kyamuswa sub county in Kalangala district.
The Minister warned that whoever is involved in importing banned fishing gears would be arrested and prosecuted.
“This business of importing and using illegal fishing gears should immediately stop to avoid bad fishing on the lake. Any person involved in the act will be imprisoned for seven years or pay a fine of Shs200M or both” the Minister said.
Migadde who is also a member of parliament for Buvuma islands county, informed the fishing community that a multi stakeholder initiative involving the Ministry of trade, URA and MAAIF is in the offing aimed at seizing, burning and stopping further importation of unauthorized fishing gears.
“Many markets in Uganda continue to sale immature fish due to the availability of substandard equipment ” he noted.
He further warned all security operatives in the fishing communities to desist against acts of corruption so that the government efforts can yield desired results.
“Government has invested a lot of money in improving the fisheries sector. These investments are however, being undermined by rampant corruption and illegal fishing. Even those who participate in giving bribes will be worked upon by the law” he added
He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding the fishing industry.
Meanwhile, the people of Kalangala have thanked Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for Appointing Migadde a Minister in charge of water bodies (Fisheries?
“We would like to thank our President, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for Appointing Migadde a Minister in charge of Fisheries. He knows all our challenges and we believe all issues will be solved amicably since he is a son of the lake” the fishing community said.
